Articles tagged with Medical Economics
A survey of 1,500 French general physicians found that while many are confident in vaccine benefits, concerns over adjuvants and controversy surrounding certain vaccines hinder recommendations. Trust in authorities is high, but training and resources are needed to address patient hesitancy.
A new US study reveals that end-stage kidney disease patients who receive specialized care have significantly improved survival rates and access to life-saving treatment. The research highlights the importance of timely referrals to nephrologists in reducing mortality risks, particularly in low-performing regions.
Charging migrants for NHS services will not ease strain on the UK's National Health Service (NHS), according to experts. The new policy, which imposes a £200 surcharge per year, may push undocumented migrants into irregularity and prevent them from regularizing their residence.
A new approach uses economic value to help achieve a sustainable future by valuing nature's ecosystem services. The world's gross domestic product has increased nearly 60 times since the start of the Industrial Revolution, but this growth comes at the expense of natural stewardship.
A survey of nearly 3,000 low-income adults in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas found that state policies significantly affect awareness, application rates, and successful enrollment under the Affordable Care Act. Latinos were less likely to complete the application process compared to non-Latino whites.
A new Commission on women and health found that women's contributions to healthcare amount to $3 trillion, with nearly half being unpaid and unrecognised. The report emphasizes the need for gender equality and empowerment in healthcare policies and interventions.
A study published in Value in Health suggests that focusing solely on financial sustainability can jeopardize the long-term viability of healthcare systems. The researchers argue that considering social and political aspects is crucial for building universal healthcare systems.
A study published in Medical Care found that higher numbers of unique doctors on staff and increased patient appointments were associated with lower rates of blood pressure normalization. The researchers suggest that busier practices may lead to compromised care due to reduced time and attention for patients.
A University of Maryland study found that men and women in the US had lower odds of depression diagnoses and better mental health during the Great Recession compared to pre-recession. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders post-recession, while men experienced less psychological distress.
A study of 1,500 Kenyan households and their livestock found a strong relationship between animal illnesses and human sickness. Healthy livestock can lower malnutrition and disease, while unhealthy animals may transmit pathogens.
A new assessment tool evaluates fisheries' ecological health alongside economic and community benefits, revealing surprising results. Alaska salmon ranks high in ecology but low in economics and community performance, while Colombian artisanal shrimp performs well in community impact despite low ecological stock levels.
The study found a significant increase in major depression among US adults during the Great Recession, with prevalence rising from 2.33% to 3.79%. Less severe depression also saw a decline in prevalence after 2009-2010. Vulnerable populations such as those living in poverty or with less than a high school education were most affected.
New research from the University of Missouri shows a significant increase in end-of-life discussions among individuals. The study found that advance care planning is not strongly linked to socioeconomic status or education level, but rather household income plays a role in designating a healthcare proxy.
Women's human rights addressing maternal mortality and morbidity is crucial globally. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in tackling gender inequalities and domestic violence by embedding human rights principles into care delivery.
A Canadian study found a significant treatment gap among high-risk patients with prior hip fractures or osteoporosis. The study suggests that those with prior hip fractures are least likely to receive osteoporosis therapy, emphasizing the need for better guidelines and knowledge transfer strategies.
India's TB epidemic is worsened by the failure of its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program to engage the private sector, argues Dr. Zarir Udwadia. The program needs to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all patients, regardless of sector, to control the spread of TB.
The Tobacco Atlas details the scale of the tobacco epidemic, its harmful influence on health, poverty, social justice, and the environment. The report highlights the tobacco industry's expanding array of tactics to preserve profits, including aggressive marketing and legal action, which cause economic, social, and environmental harm.
A study by Ohio State University researcher Hui Zheng found that medical expansion in 28 countries led to people feeling less healthy over time. Despite increased access to medicine and medical care, self-rated health decreased, with percentages dropping from 39% to 28% in the US between 1982 and 2006.
A global review found family-based programs can effectively stop children from taking up smoking, with high-intensity interventions showing the most promising results. The programs encourage parents to set limits, strengthen nurturing skills, and discuss substances with their adolescents, helping them resist peer pressure.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that female medical students are as accurate as their male counterparts but report less confidence in their abilities. This confidence gap could be addressed through improved medical training, helping to enhance physician competency and reduce defensive medicine practices.
Suicide rates among US adults aged 40-64 have increased by 40% since 1999, with a sharp rise since 2007. Economic factors such as job loss, bankruptcy, and foreclosure are being identified as contributing to this trend.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.
A long-term analysis of 63 countries between 2000 and 2011 found that unemployment is associated with a 20-30% increased risk of suicide. The study estimates that about 45,000 suicides are linked to unemployment annually.
A new study reveals that higher spending on emergency care produces lower mortality rates and improved patient outcomes. The research analyzed ambulance-dispatch patterns in New York state to compare the treatment received by patients at different hospitals.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
A study in Albania found that traditional communities' understanding of local plants is crucial for their well-being. The researchers recorded 418 plant uses, highlighting the overlap between cultures and the importance of preserving this knowledge for science and community improvement.
A new study found a significant link between austerity measures and sharp increases in Greek suicides, particularly among men. The analysis, which covered the period from 1983 to 2012, showed that men experienced a sustained 13% increase in suicide beginning in October 2008.
A new MIT study analyzes residency compensation using demand analysis, finding residents accept lower wages for experience and prestige. The study suggests salaries may remain low unless residency programs increase the number of positions available.
A team of scientists has discovered potent natural compounds in plants that can counteract the action of juvenile hormone in insects, making them effective against mosquitoes and other pests. The newly identified compounds could lead to the development of a new class of safe and effective pesticides.
A Brigham Young University study found that switching recess before lunch increases fruit and vegetable consumption in children by 54%. This simple, no-cost trick has the potential to improve long-term health effects and make school meal programs more successful.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that higher alcohol taxes strongly protect against binge drinking. The study showed a significant decrease in binge drinking rates with a one-percent increase in tax, associated with a 1.4 percent reduction in the proportion of adults who binge drink.
The article highlights the persistent health gap between whites and blacks, despite improvements in care access. Effective strategies for closing this gap include reporting clinical performance data by race, offering tailored interventions, and creating risk-adjusted scores.
A new study from the University of Guelph analyzed over 7,000 home and farm sales in Ontario and found that wind farms have no statistically significant impact on property values. The research used a unique method to capture property value fluctuations before, during, and after wind farm development.
A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.
Researchers divert a Chinese river to mitigate environmental disasters and propose an integrated approach to manage water resources, ecological health, and economic development. This study provides a potential model for sustainable development of other inland river basins.
An international team of researchers identified 20 real or perceived barriers to public health data-sharing, classifying them into six categories. The team proposes creating a treaty for global data-sharing and commissioning a body to monitor and facilitate data exchange.
A recent study found that nearly half of smokers in the UK's Royal Castle FagEnds study used e-cigarettes to help quit. Many viewed e-cigarettes as a less effective alternative to traditional quitting methods, and some were misinformed about their risks.
A Brunel University study found that people are more likely to drop swimming if faced with higher prices, with a 29% decrease in activity. In contrast, other forms of exercise such as working out and brisk walking show minimal impact, suggesting targeted subsidies could boost participation.
A study found that more competition among physicians is associated with lower prices paid to them for common office visits. The research, published in JAMA, analyzed data from 1,058 US counties and found that less competition was linked to higher prices.
The series examines four distinct phases in Latin American countries' history of health system reform and universal coverage. It highlights the importance of social determinants, intersectoral action, and solidarity-based financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage.
A comprehensive systematic review found higher levels of multimorbidity in women, with older women suffering from multiple conditions up to 62% more than men. The study highlights the poor quality of evidence on this critical area of healthcare and emphasizes the need for better research.
A recent study found that nearly 80% of low-income adults in three Southern states support Medicaid expansion, with two-thirds planning to apply for the program. The study also revealed that favorable views toward Medicaid were most common among racial and ethnic minorities, people with less education and lower income.
NJIT has been awarded a $5.67 million grant from the Department of Defense to support New Jersey's defense industry. The project, known as MarketShift, aims to help companies develop new products for existing markets and expand into non-defense markets.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) outperform other primary care practices in granting new patient appointments to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. FQHCs also provide lower-cost visits, with nearly 70% offering such services for $100 or less.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 19 journalists to cover aging issues, including elder abuse, financial security, and mental health. The fellows will convene during the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting and develop major aging-focused stories or series.
New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin finds that adolescent girls from economically disadvantaged families are more likely to become overweight or obese in adulthood. The research highlights the long-lasting consequences of economic hardship in childhood for obesity risk and social disadvantage in adulthood.
Research by the University of East Anglia found that walking and cycling to work improves mental health and wellbeing. Commuters who switched from driving to active transport reported improved concentration, reduced stress, and better psychological wellbeing.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
A team of researchers at the University of Calgary has discovered a new mechanism that can reverse chronic pain conditions. They found that interfering with the communication between a specific enzyme and calcium channels in nerve cells can shut off pain signals.
A new University of Akron study reveals that increased workloads and less satisfying job duties during the Great Recession had little direct effect on the health of workers who survived job cuts. Instead, these workers were already accustomed to coping with stressful environments.
A University of Michigan study reveals that over half of US hospitals missed the electronic health record deadline, potentially leading to significant financial penalties. The study found that rural and small hospitals are lagging behind in adopting digital medical records.
Madonna Harrington Meyer, Anja K. Leist, Philipp Hessel, and Mauricio Avendano receive the Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Awards for their groundbreaking work on the complex family dynamics of the 21st century and life-course influences on later-life cognitive function.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women, leading to genital warts and various types of cancer. Vaccinating boys against HPV can prevent these health issues and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that premature newborns are 32% less likely to die if admitted to high volume neonatal units compared to low volume units. High volume units provide more experience and resources for clinicians, leading to better clinical outcomes for vulnerable infants.
A long-term follow-up study found that bariatric surgery resulted in more frequent diabetes remission and fewer complications compared to usual care. The study showed a significant decrease in microvascular and macrovascular complications.
A new study shows that walking 6,000 or more steps per day can reduce the risk of functional limitation associated with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that walking just 1,000 extra steps daily reduces incident functional limitation by 16-18% two years later.
A long-term follow-up of obese patients with type 2 diabetes shows that bariatric surgery leads to more frequent diabetes remission. The study found that bariatric surgery results in a lower incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications compared to usual care.
Researchers found that health issues and relationship changes have a major effect on the economic well-being of low-income rural families. However, social support networks, usually extended family, can help mitigate hardship by providing emotional and financial support.
Infant health has improved among US poor despite worsening economic conditions, thanks to programs like Medicaid, WIC, and SNAP. These policies have helped reduce low-birth-weight babies and improve maternal health.